Residents navigate landslide debris on Nov 27 in Nagari Malalak Timur village, Agam regency, West Sumatra, a day after a landslide struck. Severe weather in the province has triggered multiple landslides and floods, leaving 12 dead and affecting 12,000 people. - Photo: Antara
JAKARTA: At least 61 people have been killed and thousands more evacuated as extreme weather triggered a series of hydrometeorological disasters across the northern and western regions of Sumatra Island in recent days.
North Sumatra has been the hardest-hit province, with floods, landslides and whirlwind events impacting 15 of its 33 regencies and cities, including South Tapanuli, Mandailing Natal, North Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan and Sibolga.
Sri Wahyuni Pancasilawati, head of the Emergency Response, Equipment and Logistics Division at the North Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), reported that as of Thursday (Nov 27) afternoon, 47 people had died, 67 were injured and 9 remained missing.
“This is a temporary figure, and there is a high likelihood that the casualties will rise,” she told The Jakarta Post. “We are continuing efforts to evacuate residents affected by the disaster.”
Authorities continue to face significant challenges reaching affected communities in Sibolga and North and South Tapanuli, as landslides have blocked key access roads at multiple locations, severely delaying relief and evacuation efforts.
The Communication and Digital Ministry also reported that the disasters also crippled regional telecommunications, with 495 communication sites losing power and leaving large areas without reliable phone or data service.
Concerns are mounting over the fate of Sibolga Mayor Akhmad Syukri Nazri Penarik, who has been out of contact since Tuesday after reportedly being trapped by floods and landslides in Sitahuis District, Central Tapanuli.
In Huta Nabolon Village, Central Tapanuli, around 50 residents have likewise been unreachable since Tuesday.
They were last seen fleeing into a nearby forest to escape a sudden flash flood. Rosmawati Zebua, 30, said that seven of her family members were among those who fled, including a three-month-old baby.
“I hope they can be evacuated soon. They must be cold and hungry. They fled without bringing any food. I don’t know how they can survive,” she said on Wednesday, as quoted by Kompas.com.
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution said authorities are preparing to airlift logistical supplies to Sibolga and Central Tapanuli using a Hercules aircraft, though the operation is on hold pending safer weather conditions.
He added that emergency teams are intensifying efforts to clear landslide debris blocking key roadways so that aid can reach isolated areas as quickly as possible.
Bobby also urged regional leaders to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigation measures, stressing that the province must be better equipped to respond to severe weather events.
“The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency [BMKG] has warned that rainfall intensity in North Sumatra will be extremely high throughout November and December. We need to remain alert and vigilant against potential hydrometeorological disasters,” he said.
Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, days of torrential rain since Saturday have triggered extensive flooding and landslides across 13 regencies and cities, including Padang, Padang Pariaman, Agam and West Pasaman.
West Sumatra Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy reported that as of Thursday afternoon, 12 people had been killed, while around 12,000 residents had been affected. “
Officials from the West Sumatra administration, supported by the military and police, are working to clear debris and restore communication networks and vital infrastructure,” he said.
The provincial government declared a 14-day state of emergency on Tuesday to expedite evacuations, relief distribution and mitigation efforts.
In Aceh, days of relentless rainfall have triggered severe flooding and landslides, impacting more than 97,000 residents and forcing the evacuation of around 13,000 people, according to the local disaster agency. At least two people have been killed during the disaster.
Power outages have also affected several districts. The state-owned utility PLN said in a statement on Wednesday that it had deployed teams to gradually restore electricity after a flash flood caused a transmission tower to collapse, AFP reported.
As of Thursday, flooding remained widespread in Pidie, Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, East Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, West Aceh, South Aceh, Aceh Singkil, North Aceh and Langsa, with several areas declaring an emergency status.
The BMKG warned that a cyclone dubbed Senyar had formed on Wednesday, which could bring more extreme weather to the region in coming days.
The annual monsoon season, typically between June and September, often brings heavy rains, triggering landslides, flash floods and waterborne diseases.
Climate change has impacted storm patterns, including the duration and intensity of the season, leading to heavier rainfall, flash flooding and stronger wind gusts.
The series of disasters in Sumatra comes as the government sharply cut funding for key agencies amid austerity measures.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) saw its budget slashed from Rp 1.4 trillion to just Rp 470 billion this year, the lowest in 15 years.
Funding for the BMKG was also halved, falling from Rp 2.8 trillion to Rp 1.4 trillion. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
